SEGA officially announced Sonic Unleashed today via a press release, but thanks to some sleuthing internet users most gamers were already aware of Sonic’s latest adventure due to the leaked screens and trailer. The latest installment in the franchise, of course ,stars our beloved blue hedgehog as he takes us on a high-speed journey around the globe. The world has been broken apart by the evil Dr. Eggman, so it’s up to Sonic to put the pieces back together again by retrieving the power of the chaos emeralds. In doing so, Sonic fans will find themselves in a race against time where both day and night play different, yet important, roles in Sonic’s newest quest. By completing a wide variety of stages spanning the seven broken continents of the world, gamers will need to unleash Sonic’s amazing abilities to save the world, and himself.

In addition to running at high speeds, which will be highlighted in four new speed mechanics, combat fighting now becomes possible. New combat, movement, functional abilities and platforming will be introduced to offer increased depth and variety with an expansive world with multiple paths to choose from, with 3D to classic 2D camera transitions.

Still currently in development, Sonic Unleashed is scheduled for release worldwide just in time for the holidays this year, and will be made available for the PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 and the Wii. You can read the full press release after the jump.

Via: Press Release

SAN FRANCISCO (April 3, 2008) – SEGA® of America and SEGA of Europe, Ltd. today announced that everyone’s favorite hedgehog is once again breaking new ground in the upcoming title, Sonic UnleashedT. The latest installment in the multi-million selling franchise starring the beloved blue hedgehog will take players on an unforgettable high-speed journey around the globe in a way never before experienced in the world of Sonic. Fans will be treated to an array of new, exciting and unique next generation features to heighten their experience. Sonic Unleashed is currently under development for the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, WiiT home video game system from Nintendo and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system.

“It is an exciting time for the Sonic franchise as we look to reinvent our hero while staying true to the spirit of what made him an industry icon,” said Sean Ratcliffe, Vice President of Marketing at SEGA of America. “Sonic Unleashed will introduce a new, unexpected storyline along with innovative gameplay that compliments traditional skills and features, allowing players to experiment and engage in new ways.”

Having been broken apart by the evil Dr. Eggman, it’s up to Sonic to put the pieces of the world back together again by retrieving the power of the chaos emeralds! In doing so, Sonic will find himself in a race against time and faced with an unusual situation that will challenge him in ways never before seen. Both day and night play different, yet important, roles in Sonic’s newest quest. as the sun sets, a new adventure awakens. By completing a wide variety of action-packed stages, spanning the seven broken continents of the world, gamers will need to unleash Sonic’s amazing abilities to save the world, and himself!

Players will have an opportunity to engage in ways never before done with the Sonic franchise, so in addition to running at high speeds, which will be highlighted in four new speed mechanics, combat fighting now becomes possible. New combat, movement, functional abilities and platforming will be introduced to offer increased depth and variety.

Sonic Unleashed will offer a re-defined experience for fans and newcomers of the franchise alike by combing picturesque & detailed scenery, an expansive world with multiple paths to choose from and dynamic viewpoints for an immersive and renewed gaming atmosphere. Along with seamless 3D to classic 2D camera transitions, the game is built on a powerful, new proprietary “Hedgehog Engine,” which introduces impressive lighting abilities and new technology tailor made for Sonic’s new speed capabilities. Under development for approximately three years, the Hedgehog Engine will help to produce a visually rich next generation look and feel with elements of classic Sonic gameplay components.

Currently in development by Sonic Team, Sonic Unleashed is scheduled for release worldwide for holiday 2008.

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